HMIs: Microsoft Windows CE terminals find acceptance

Austin, TX – The open operator terminal market, which includes operator panels using the

Microsoft Windows CE operating system

, is forecast to experience relatively strong growth through to 2011. UK-based

IMS Research

has found that machine builders and users adopting the product type typically need a higher level of functionality than is offered by a touchscreen or graphical operator terminal, but do not want to significantly increase their expenditure with the purchase of an industrial PC. In separate research from Control Engineering , 19% of subscribers surveyed expressed preference for Microsoft Windows CE operating system; Microsoft Windows XP scored the highest. Find the

Mark Watson, IMS Industrial Automation Research Group market analyst, said an operator terminal with a Microsoft Windows CE-based operating system provides higher levels of functionality and flexibility in comparison to other operator terminal product types.

“Also, the reliability of an operator terminal’s operating system is paramount in ensuring that downtime is minimized, and the tracking and processing of data is performed in a secure environment. Windows CE-based operator terminal products can now boast exceptional levels of reliability, which is a key factor in encouraging machine builders and end users away from alternative interface solutions.”

Research shows that Asia Pacific is expected to show the strongest growth for open operator terminals through to 2011.

Watson said a limiting factor to the potential growth in use of these products is the time required by the user to configure the panels to exact specifications. “Many users lack the knowledge [and need] to have an operator terminal that has been specifically tailored to their application.